FAQ

U-tools is an online store based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. All our orders ship from Mississauga.

We don't have a physical retail location, but we do have partner stores that carry some of our products!

You can find them using our Store Finder.

Please note that we can't confirm inventory at individual locations, so we recommend contacting the stores directly.

If you're one of our retail partners and your location isn't listed, please let us know!

Our online store is available in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Our website uses automatic translation, so some wording may sound awkward or be inaccurate.

We also speak Ukrainian and Russian, so you're more than welcome to contact us in either language!

Yes! Express shipping is available on select items, depending on our current order volume. We don't offer express shipping on larger equipment like dust collectors and e-files with built-in vacuums due to high shipping costs.

To check availability, simply add your items to the cart. If express shipping is available for your order, you'll see it at checkout.

Yes! We offer free shipping on eligible orders over $130 within Canada.

Free shipping doesn't apply to services like sharpening. However, if you're ordering products and sharpening together, we can combine everything into one shipment! We'll simply hold your products until your tools have been sharpened, then ship everything back to you.

Since products and sharpening services have separate shipping rates, checkout will automatically charge shipping for both. If we're combining your shipments, just reach out to us and we'll refund the extra shipping charge!

Shipping delays can happen, especially during busy periods or due to circumstances beyond our control.

If your package is taking longer than expected or appears to be lost, please contact us at hello@u-tools.ca with your order number. We'll be happy to help you check the tracking information and contact the shipping carrier if needed.

While we can't guarantee delivery times or take responsibility for lost or stolen packages after shipment, we'll do our best to help resolve the situation!

Unfortunately, we've temporarily suspended shipping to the US due to the ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and import fees.

We normally cover these fees on behalf of our customers, so there are no unexpected charges upon delivery. However, with tariff costs becoming increasingly unpredictable, it's become difficult for us to offer reasonable shipping rates.

We hope to resume shipping regular items to the US soon! However, shipping equipment like e-files and dust collectors is more complicated, as returns and warranty repairs may involve additional customs fees and significant shipping costs.

Really want to order something? Feel free to reach out to us at hello@u-tools.ca, and we'll see what we can do!

Please keep in mind that any US orders arranged during this period would be final sale, with no returns and potentially limited or unavailable warranty repair services, until the cross-border shipping situation improves.

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

We accept returns on most new, unopened items within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility, and a 15% restocking fee may apply.

That said, we value our customers and always try to be flexible, especially with customers in good standing! We do need to recover our original shipping costs, even if your order qualified for free shipping, but we'll do our best to find a fair solution.

Please see our full Return & Refund Policy for details.

Of course! If you'd prefer to exchange your item, we can offer store credit with no restocking fee, as long as the product is new, unopened, and in its original packaging.

Please note that return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping costs will still be deducted from your store credit.

Our store credit never expires, so you can use it whenever you like!

We're sorry if something went wrong with your order! Please contact us at hello@u-tools.ca within 14 days of delivery, along with your order number and photos or videos if applicable.

If we've made a mistake or your item has a manufacturing defect, we'll cover the return shipping and arrange a replacement or refund.

Yes! Most of our equipment comes with a manufacturer's warranty, although coverage and duration vary by product.

E-files and dust-collectors are covered by a 1-year warranty, while individual handpieces are covered for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Warranties cover manufacturing defects, but not damage caused by misuse, accidents, or normal wear and tear.

If you're experiencing an issue with your equipment, please reach out to us. We'll be happy to help!

Absolutely! We sell genuine products from the brands we carry, including Staleks, Olton, Saeshin, Saeyang, and others.

You're also welcome to contact the manufacturers directly to verify that we're an authorized retailer.

There are so many models, but the good news is that most classic professional e-files from Saeshin and Saeyang perform very similarly! 

Newer models often introduce updated designs, displays, or internal components, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're more powerful or better than older models.

The biggest difference is usually the handpiece. Pay attention to torque (power under pressure), maximum speed (RPM), weight, and comfort. Higher torque means the handpiece can handle more resistance without slowing down, even at lower speeds.

For most nail technicians, a classic professional e-file is more than enough, including for gel and acrylic removal. More powerful brushless models are available, but they're considerably more expensive.

Not sure which one to choose? Tell us what you'll be using it for, and we'll be happy to help you find the right model without spending more than you need to!

Our general welcome and promotional discounts don't apply to e-files, but we do occasionally run special offers! Sign up for our emails to stay updated.

We also have an ongoing promotion: when you purchase an e-file, you can get 20% off a second handpiece or 20% off a dust collector.

Already purchased an e-file from us? Reach out, and we'll be happy to help you with the second handpiece discount!

Many classic Saeshin Strong and Saeyang handpieces are interchangeable, even between different brands. However, not all handpieces are compatible, especially with newer or specialized e-files.

If you're unsure, just send us your e-file model, and we'll be happy to help you find a compatible handpiece!

Yes! Most of our metal nail tools and e-file bits can be sterilized in an autoclave.

However, tools with plastic handles or painted surfaces may require different sterilization methods, as high temperatures can damage them.

For detailed instructions, please refer to our Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization Guide.

Proper tool care involves three important steps: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.

Always remove visible debris first, use an appropriate disinfectant, and make sure your tools are completely dry before sterilization.

For step-by-step instructions and recommended methods, please see our Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization Guide.

The most important thing is to keep your tools clean and completely dry!

Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive soaking, and sterilizing wet tools. We also recommend regularly lubricating the joints of nippers and scissors with professional tool oil.

For more tips on keeping your tools in great condition, check out our Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization Guide.

We sharpen a wide variety of tools, including cuticle nippers, nail scissors, tweezers, hairdressing shears, kitchen knives, and more! We also sharpen specialized tools like meat grinder knives and plates.

Please note that we cannot sharpen curved ("moon") nippers, serrated bread knives (unless you'd like us to remove the serrations), or pet clippers. We also generally can't sharpen swords, although it depends on their length and curvature.

Not sure if we can sharpen your tool? Send us a photo at hello@u-tools.ca, and we'll be happy to check!

We offer three convenient options:

• Drop-off: Bring your tools to our Mississauga location by appointment.
• Mail-in: Order sharpening online, follow the packaging instructions, and mail your tools to us.
• Pickup & Return: Available in most GTA areas for $20 round trip or $10 one-way, with a minimum sharpening order of $60. Pickup is usually available on Wednesdays, but availability depends on our schedule and workload.

For drop-off or pickup, please book a date and time here.

Please visit Sharpening page for full details (scroll down to see the price table).

Not sure how much your tool would cost? Send us a photo, and we'll be happy to provide a quote!

Ordering sharpening online is easy!

1. Visit our Mail-in Sharpening page and add the tools you'd like sharpened to your cart.
2. Read the packaging and shipping instructions carefully.
3. Ship your tools to us, and we'll sharpen them and send them back!

Please note: The shipping fee you pay at checkout covers shipping your sharpened tools back to you. You're responsible for the cost of sending your tools to us. 

You can check our shipping rates here.

Prefer to drop off your tools? You can also book an appointment at our Mississauga location.

Before booking, please check our sharpening price list to make sure we can sharpen your tools. If your item isn't listed, send us a photo at hello@u-tools.ca, and we'll be happy to confirm!

Sharpening typically takes 2–4 business days, depending on our workload and the number of tools.

Please allow additional time for shipping if you're mailing your tools to us.

If you need your tools back by a specific date, feel free to contact us before placing your order!

Yes! We offer professional repair and cleaning services for most nail e-files, including regular and vacuum models. We can repair both handpieces and control units, even if you didn't purchase them from us.

See details here. 

Not sure if we can repair your model? Just reach out to us at hello@u-tools.ca, and we'll be happy to help!

For detailed info please visit this page: E-file repair

Repairs for regular e-files start at $25, while vacuum e-file repairs start at $50. Additional costs may apply for replacement parts and cleaning.

Please note that by sending us your handpiece, you authorize repairs costing less than 50% of the retail value of a comparable handpiece. For more expensive repairs, we'll contact you for approval first.

E-file repairs can't be ordered online, as each repair is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Instead, please email us at hello@u-tools.ca with your e-file model, a description of the issue, and photos or a short video showing the problem.

We'll review the details and provide instructions for sending your equipment to us.

Once we receive it, we'll diagnose the issue for free and proceed according to our repair terms. Return shipping costs apply.

Often, yes! It depends on the model and availability of replacement parts. Some e-files use interchangeable parts, while others require brand-specific components.

We can often repair e-files from brands we don't carry, so feel free to send us the model information and a description of the issue at hello@u-tools.ca. We'll be happy to check!

We recommend professional handpiece cleaning every 6–12 months for salon use and every 1–4 years for personal use, depending on how frequently you use your e-file.

Regular cleaning helps remove accumulated dust and debris, keeps your handpiece running smoothly, and may help prevent costly repairs down the road!

Yes! We have special pricing programs for beauty supply stores, nail salons, foot care professionals, and educators.

Discounts and minimum order requirements vary depending on the products and your business type.

Interested? Email us at hello@u-tools.ca with a little information about your business, and we'll be happy to discuss your options!

We offer professional Footlogix pricing to eligible customers! Simply create an account on our website and contact us with proof of your professional status, such as a certificate, business website, or Instagram page.

We also have an ongoing promotion: spend $200 or more on Footlogix products and receive a U-tools gift card worth 10% of your Footlogix purchase value!

Yes! Our affiliate program is open to nail technicians, foot care professionals, educators, and content creators.

Your followers can receive a discount when shopping with your code, and you'll earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

Interested in joining? Contact us at hello@u-tools.ca!

Possibly! We review bulk order discount requests on a case-by-case basis, depending on the products and order quantity.

If you're planning a larger purchase, feel free to contact us at hello@u-tools.ca with the items you're interested in, and we'll see what we can offer!

We also have special wholesale and professional pricing programs for eligible businesses.